Trying to recreate things you see...

[Vertex]

I would say that for my part, anything I've made can be hexxed, skoped or altered via import to Max. Can't speak for anyone else of course.
In a case like this, if the parts involved are relatively simple ones, I would think it possible to remake the parts yourself and match the mapping to the pre-existing bits.
Moral conundrum solved, you've made it all yourself.
Since we've done that with whole bodies to get meshes with mapping compatible with male/female basic etc, I think it should be do-able, if a bit of a pain to match up the geometry and mapping.
A third route to better anims is to do your VX magic in max, then export the new anims on a bog-standard male_basic max file. Voila, better anims for existing skopes (assuming that they use mb compatible keyframes...)

Okay continuing this conversation here because I really don't wanna hijack a thread.

The quandry goes past just whether I'm ripping off someone by using their parts. If I see a hex presented by a skinner or skinner/hexxer joint work... And I got "geee wish it had better anims or damn wish that was my mesh there because that's exactly what I wanna make" this leaves with a couple problems.

1st. Like like I said it does bother me personally to reproduce it as exactly as I can.. however that would be my exact wish.

2nd. Even if I use another person's parts (whether made directly by a mesher or altered by a hexxer) AND they completely approve removing any moral implications.. There's the new problem...

3rd. The third problem  Now I've got a mesh that is a recreation of what I loved and wanted. As far as recreating the mapping.. if at all possible I try to make better mapping than what exists for one. However even if I don't adjust a single bit of mapping for those parts I might import.. there's still the fact that my meshes don't match up to male_basic mapping.. leaving me with a mesh that can't use the wonderful skin that was on the creation that I adored.

4th. "So why not make it a male_basic mesh"... honestly because I hate male basic which is why I made what I consider an improved version (yes that smacks of ego that I could make something better) but I prefer my vxbodies to existing male_basic. So this always leaves me stuck in a hole.

Anyways that's what I'm left with in so many situations.

[Podmark]

Well the solution to the 3rd problem relies on asking the skinner to update their skin to the new model.

[tommyboy]

As far as I can see, most skinners are quite happy to skin for VX meshes, indeed, some seem to prefer them.
I'm just guessing, but if you were to mesh a new Cap cold_VX or heatwave_VX, with your own inimitable animations, I'd guess skinners would queue up to skin them.
Particularly if you were to approach the skinner/hexxer/skoper before starting, to check if they'd like to provide a "standard" skin.
So I'd be inclined towards making it all yourself, as you want it, regardless of if someone else has done a certain bootcuff (or what have you) just the way you would have wanted it. Then you have your version as you want it, without further dilemma.


EDIT:
Grodddarnit Podmark, what have I told you about ninja-ing me when I'm typing out my hopelessly long and prolix replies!

[Vertex]

sorry guess it just hits me sometimes how much of a "hole" I've dug myself with my meshes. I could go back to simple male_basic models and have a much easier life but .. I really do hate them so.

[Podmark]

EDIT:
Grodddarnit Podmark, what have I told you about ninja-ing me when I'm typing out my hopelessly long and prolix replies!

ninja vanish

[TAP43]

I would always be happy to update the skin, the main reason for make these was because I was not happy with the animations. I have always felt that the animation add a third to the whole experence( mesh shape a third, skin a third and animations a third for a complete character ) Just let me know if you would like me to update the skin or skins to anything you make, it's all about seeing the character coming to life so to speak.

[Vertex]

I would always be happy to update the skin, the main reason for make these was because I was not happy with the animations. I have always felt that the animation add a third to the whole experence( mesh shape a third, skin a third and animations a third for a complete character ) Just let me know if you would like me to update the skin or skins to anything you make, it's all about seeing the character coming to life so to speak.

great to hear on that specifc subject thanks but you see my "quandry" everytime I see something I like.. sometimes it sucks to be the guy on the outside.

[TAP43]

great to hear on that specifc subject thanks but you see my "quandry" everytime I see something I like.. sometimes it sucks to be the guy on the outside.

Open discustion= no quandry for the most part, thats the way I live my life and so far it's worked for 40+ years

[Johnny Patches]

i like mitten meshes thats what start this..
its the foundation of freedon force.
kind of like its trade mark..
fingers are kool but mittens started this.
never mind had a few drinks  

[daglob]

I like 'em all. Tommy's meshes with their numerous parts lend themselves to a LOT of characters, other, simple meshes are good for simple subjects. I have several original skins on VX meshes, and look forward to whatever the next version is.